Antony Chawagarira
THE government has cleared a privately owned ferry to resume water transport services on Lake Kariba, bringing relief to communities affected by the suspension of ferry operations after last month’s deadly boat disaster.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said the vessel had undergone the necessary inspections and was expected to begin operations within a few days.
This development follows the government’s call for private-sector players to assist in restoring transport services between communities separated by the Kariba Dam.
Minister Mhona said reliable ferry services are critical for both Kariba Rural and Kariba Urban, as road travel between the two areas can require journeys of between 313 and 437 kilometres.
The government is also procuring two additional boats through the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) to strengthen water transport services in the area.
These measures follow the sinking of the RIDA-operated ferry, Mbuya Nehanda, on August 11 while it was travelling from Kariba Town to Chalala Fishing Camp. The tragedy claimed 97 lives, while 77 people survived the accident.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa subsequently declared the incident a state of disaster, paving the way for government assistance to affected families and communities.
Cabinet has since approved a comprehensive relief and recovery package that covers humanitarian assistance, psychosocial support, infrastructure development, livelihood restoration, and disaster preparedness.
Information Minister Dr. Zhemu Soda said the government is also strengthening early warning systems through the deployment of weather stations, drones, and communication equipment.
Communities affected by the tragedy are set to receive training in water safety, first aid, and disaster preparedness. Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said counsellors have also been deployed to assist affected families.
He added that disaster survival training is also underway in the affected communities.
In the long term, the government plans to support affected communities through livelihood restoration initiatives, including business units, vocational training, and community-based economic projects.
The restoration of ferry services is expected to ease the burden on residents who rely on water transport to access markets, social services, and economic opportunities.
